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May 3, 2015 at 1.30pm UK
 
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Live Coverage: Jose Mourinho's weekly Chelsea press conference

Follow Sports Mole's live coverage of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's pre-match press conference ahead of their potentially title-clinching match against Crystal Palace.
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Jose Mourinho has insisted that Chelsea have not prepared any post-match celebrations ahead of their potentially title-clinching match against Crystal Palace in the Premier League this weekend.

The Blues will seal the title with victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The league leaders will be missing Diego Costa again though, but Loic Remy is ready to return.

Read what else the manager discussed below.


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Good afternoon! As he prepares his side for a potentially title-winning clash with Crystal Palace, Jose Mourinho will be speaking to the media in around 15 minutes.

Following their victory over Leicester City earlier this week, Mourinho urged fans not to celebrate already, but the league leaders are unbeaten at home and must surely know that the title will be theirs now.

Chelsea have been reminding their fans of the goals that sealed their title in 2005 on their Twitter account today:


Naturally, the title and injuries will be on the agenda in Mourinho press conference today, but the transfer window is just a few weeks away, so the comings and goings at Stamford Bridge could also come up. Chelsea have been linked with plenty of players in recent weeks, including Nathaniel Clyne, Paulo Dybala and even Gareth Bale.

One player who could be on his way out this summer is goalkeeper Petr Cech, who has spent most of the season on the bench behind Thibaut Courtois. The Czech international told the club's website: "It's always nice to be there and make a contribution to the success. You cannot deny that at certain points of this season we've all contributed with moments that have helped us be in the position we are in and it's a great feeling to have another chance to win the title. The last title we won was in 2010, it's been a long time, so hopefully this time it can be the start of a new era, with a new generation of players."

Chelsea will still have plenty of opportunity to clinch the title if they do lose their unbeaten home record this weekend, with two more home fixtures against Liverpool and Sunderland still to come, either side of a trip to West Bromwich Albion.

Don't forget, we'll be bringing you live coverage of this match on Sunday, as well as team news and loads more so makes sure you're with us then.

The manager is in place, so let's see what he has to say...

On the title race, he says: "We need two or three points to be champions, let's say three to make sure we don't depend on goals difference. We need a victory, we need three draws. We want to finish as soon as possible, if we can do it at home, all the better. If we can do it on Sunday, even better."

Mourinho is asked about his side's dominance against their title rivals this season, and he responds: "As always at Chelsea are very strong in every record, goals scored, home away, the number of goals we concede. By every perspective you find a very strong Chelsea. We lead since day one, in modern football it's something very difficult to do. There are countries where it's common domination - Bayern Munich, Celtic Glasgow, Basel, Olympiacos, there are countries where the domination is there years and years. I don't think this country is a good example of that."

On the strength of his squad he says: "You can imagine top squads with a few new players. Every one of the title contenders is going to be very strong. When the season starts, if you want to be champion, you have to risk also to finish fifth. I think next season is going to be the same."

Mourinho confirms that Diego Costa won't play again this weekend, adding: "It isn't worth the risk. In the process of the last month, if we lose a game and we don't want to lose the second, he would be back for the second. We are trying to give him the maxmum stability to be stronger. Remy is back. If we don't win Sunday, he plays against Liverpool. In this moment, we are on result after result, needs after need."

Sticking with Costa's injury woes, he adds: "We are preparing a good working situation for him during the holiday period. I think three strikers is a fine number. The three strikers would always have time, always matches, rotation, form, performance, cards, injuries."

Mourinho is asked about celebrating the title, but he says that there is nothing planned for after the match: "I think I go home. We have nothing prepared, we have nothing organised. Normally, I finish the game and I go home."

Mourinho is already predicting a tight race next season: "The top four teams this season, they are all good enough, they all have top quality players in their squads, big numbers. Good managers with lots of experience, they are already big teams now. Next season they will try to be even better. When I start next pre-season, I would say I will fight for the title. But there is a big risk of not even finishing in the top four. The first objective for next season will be to finish top four. Only one can win."

Mourinho is asked who will play in goal this week, but he's not letting us know: "Yes I have decided. They don't know."

That's it from Mourinho this week. It's interesting to hear that Diego Costa is unlikely to play again unless the team lose this season. So, join us again on Sunday to see if Chelsea can clinch the title. Until then, thanks for joining me this afternoon. Goodbye.

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Chelsea Manager Jose Mourinho protests during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on October 26, 2014
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